Four new covid cases as QR code rules for shared properties slammed

Victoria has four new covid cases from overseas in hotel quarantine, as residents of Victorian townhouses and units slam rules which mean they must use QR codes for entry.

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Four new covid cases contracted overseas are currently in hotel quarantine but no new locally acquired coronavirus cases have been detected in Victoria.

It comes as Victorians living in townhouses and units have been told they could be required to put QR codes on their front doors and fences to monitor guests under confusing new rules that have been slammed as “utterly idiotic”.

From May 28, body corporates will be required to ensure codes are set up in common areas and shared facilities, to strengthen contact tracing.

The state government has found itself caught up in the confusion surrounding QR codes on common properties.

Karen Egan’s 85-year-old mother, Ella, who lives in a freestanding townhouse on a shared property, was told she’d be required to put a code on her fence because she shares a driveway with neighbours.

“It’s just crazy. I’m not against QR codes but this is just overboard. These are individual houses with no common rooms,” Ms Egan said.

Sunbury woman Lisa Ross, whose property shares no common areas, claims she had to install a code because of shared pipes under her house.

Acting Premier James Merlino couldn’t confirm the rules when he was asked on Friday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“I have stuck the QR code at my front door. I don’t want to get a fine from the government,” she told 3AW.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria boss Gil King said some requirements, especially around owners’ corporations, had caused confusion. “The requirement is one QR code per site. Occupants do not require additional codes,” he said.

General Counsel for Network Pacific Strata management, Tina Di Camillo, said: “Unfortunately the strata sector has faced and continues to face considerable difficulties with the lack of clarity and context in respect to the government’s COVIDSafe compliance in general.”

Acting Premier James Merlino was also caught up in the confusion, when he couldn’t confirm the rules when he was asked on Friday. “I wouldn’t have thought so,” he said, when asked if the rule would apply to private residences.

“I’ll come back to you because I don’t want to give the wrong advice.”

Opposition Health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier called the rules inconsistent.

“Someone living in a townhouse on their own has to have a QR code, yet the Woolworths Epping exposure site doesn’t. It makes no sense. What an utterly idiotic and ridiculous decision,” she said.

“The state government needs to release the health advice as to why it’s less of a health risk in the fruit and vegie section at Coles than it is visiting a friend.”

A Department of Health spokesman said codes were needed only at gyms and pools within apartment blocks. He said a review was under way.

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